Blackhawks News

2012 Blackhawks Convention set for this weekend at the Hilton Chicago

The fifth annual Chicago Blackhawks Convention will take place at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Ave.) from Friday, July 20, to Sunday, July 22, with over 10,000 fans expected to attend.

The sold-out event, which is the first of its kind in the National Hockey League, will feature players, coaches and Blackhawks Alumni along with team broadcasters and team executives. The weekend includes 16 Q&A panels with players and front office staff, autograph and photo opportunities, an area dedicated to interactive games (Northwest Hall) and over 40 vendors (Southwest Hall).

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., Master of Ceremonies and Blackhawks TV Color Analyst Eddie Olczyk will host the newly located Opening Ceremonies in the International Ballroom.

Blackhawks Idol on Saturday evening in the International Ballroom, where fans will put their singing talents on display for judges Jim Cornelison, Daniel Carcillo, Dave Bolland and Dennis Hull.

The Locker Room Sale in the Grand Ballroom throughout the weekend, featuring live and silent auctions of Blackhawks memorabilia and game-used equipment.

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa join Olczyk and Jack O’Callahan on a panel to discuss playing in the Olympics on Saturday at 10:15 a.m.

Toews, Patrick Sharp, Bryan Bickell and Michael Frolik talk about the Emmy award-winning Blackhawks TV series and the feature film “Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita: Monuments to Excellence” on a Saturday panel at 2:00 p.m.

Hear from former captains Pierre Pilote, Stan Mikita and Denis Savard and current captain Toews about wearing the “C” on Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

Andrew Shaw, Bryan Bickell, Jimmy Hayes and Brandon Bollig talk about the benefits of social media in sports on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.

2012 Blackhawks Convention Hours:Friday, July 20: Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. with all lower halls opening at 3:00 p.m.Saturday, July 21: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.* Blackhawks Idol will take place in the International Ballroom on Saturday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday, July 22: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.